PROFESSOR Ward of the University of Huddersfield had a showing of the documentary Home James about James Mason’s return to Huddersfield in 1972.
I went along with my wife Liz. It was very interesting seeing a version of Huddersfield back then. I was there in my front room with my then wife Di. She was constantly smoking. They had a chap off camera smoking two fags. So when we did retakes her cigarette was always the same length.
During the filming Di spoke at length finishing with, “You know what I mean”. James said “No,” so they cut it all. She couldn’t come to the showing as she’s in Spain.
After the show an audience member pointed out the various famous people that had lived in the Marsh area. I mentioned Mr Crisp.
The first I’d heard of him was when Sheila Scarr, a neighbour, said, “Mr Crisp is dead”. I said: “Who’s Mr Crisp?”. Sheila replied, “I thought you would have known him. He was a retired flea circus man who lived behind you”.
I would have loved to have talked to him. I also mentioned the story of a witch’s coven up Syringa Street.
After the show various people said to Liz that she’d hadn’t changed a bit since the film. Of course she had, into a completely different woman. Another lady said, “I live on Syringa Street, where is this witch’s cupboard?”
I didn’t say that, I said witch’s coven. I assured her I didn’t think it was still there.
Various people came that I hadn’t seen for years. They’d obviously successfully avoided me till that evening.
